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What should my friend do if denied entry to Thailand due to visa issues at Bangkok airport?
BKK Entry DenialVisa ExemptionTourist VisaDTV (Digital Nomad Visa)Travel DocumentationEntry RequirementsImmigration RegulationsExpat Advice
Apr 9, 2025
a year ago
Shanelle ********
ORIGINAL POSTER🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
My friend is being denied entry at Bkk and is being forced to go back to America. Immigration says too many days in Thailand they need exit ticket or visa. But they won’t allow them to purchase a flight. They want to enter on tourist visa but apply for DTV with gym
Any agents advise?
My friend is being denied entry at Bkk and is being forced to go back to America. Immigration says too many days in Thailand they need exit ticket or visa. But they won’t allow them to purchase a flight. They want to enter on tourist visa but apply for DTV with gym
Any agents advise?
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user reports that their friend is being denied entry at Bangkok airport due to overstaying on a visa exemption and not having an exit ticket. Immigration officials are not allowing him to purchase a flight ticket and he wishes to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) with a gym, which can only be done outside Thailand. Several comments emphasize the importance of obtaining the correct visa before traveling and advise that once denied entry, it becomes costly and complicated. The discussion includes details on entry requirements such as proof of funds, exit tickets, and advice for future travelers.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Cris ******
It's weird that people are still trying to live here on visa exemption stamps.
Keith *******
Get the right visa.
Samuel ***************
@Muay ************
can help with the supporting documents so your friend can get a muay Thai DTVGreg *********
Seems they’re really cracking down on the TV and the exempt arrivals.
Wannikea *********
In other news, there are a few rooms available for rent in Koh Phangan
Wannikea *********
Where was this person entering from, all they can really do is send them back to where they came from, can they force them to go back to America if they didn't arrive from America?
Brandon ************
@Wannikea ********
if that's where their passport is from, then yesReply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Dennis *************
Still amazing me, why not get the right visa😏
Wayne ********
Sad as it is, why do people try to fool Thailand immigration & make a fool of themselves. Ignorance doesn’t wash, get the right Visa.
Josh ********
Pay the bribe
Greg *********
Maybe Trump will take them back 🙄
Herbert ******
So if I plan to go there just what should I have to show that explains just how much money I have available?
Wannikea *********
@Herbert *****
the law is the 3 proofs, ticket out, booked accommodation, 20,000 baht in cash or equivalent currency.Rosslyn ********
@Herbert *****
show them your bank accountWannikea *********
@Rosslyn *******
by law in cashReply to
Wannikea *********
Reply
Curtis ********
Too many people try to cheat the system and they are cracking down on it
Mark ********
@Curtis *******
Good.Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Dorothy ******
Tez ******
Yeah that's what happens when you push the limits. Sooner or later the limit is found.
Steve *********
DTV with gym?
Matty ****
You can't do back to back to back to back exemptions Anymore.. fact
Umer **************
Well how many times/ days has he been staying and going ?
Ron *********
There's been so many posts on this and the advice is always you're gonna get nabbed soon, come back with a visa.
Fly to Kuala Lumpur and get a visa.
You could live in Thailand for years and years on just TVs and exempt. But not just exempts.
Fly to Kuala Lumpur and get a visa.
You could live in Thailand for years and years on just TVs and exempt. But not just exempts.
Lawrence *********
Google forward ticket.No, it's not too late.You can stay in the terminal and purchase an outgoing ticket and show it to them.
Lloyd ****
You can only apply for DTV outside of Thailand not inside
Nika ********
@Lloyd ***
you can apply through an agent inside thailandReply to
Nika ********
Reply
Aaron *******
Suggestion: Fly to Cambodia... And apply for DTV or e-visa.
Lucas **********
Do the right thing.. is what it is..
Garrett ***********
20k baht cash, booked accommodation, and flight out of Thailand. The 3 proofs always required and the most common reason for denial.
Sam ********
@Garrett **********
can this cash be proven digitally like bank account? Or need to withdrawal from atm?Ivan ************
@S**
it needs to be cash. It can be equivalent in a foreign currency, doesn't have to be THB. They typically only bring it up if they want to deny you for coming to Thailand too much on tourist entries. That isn't a legal reason for denial though, while not having the cash is, so it's used as the excuse. This is also why they won't let you withdraw it from an ATM, the whole point is to have a reason to deny you.Reply to
Ivan ************
Reply
Joe ******
@Garrett **********
Naa, the most common reason for denial of entry, and not only in Thailand, is attitude.Reply to
Joe ******
Reply
Brenda *********
Is it 10,000 baht or 20,000 baht? To enter?
Brandon ************
@Brenda ********
20,000 if you're from a visa exempt country, 10,000 if you're from a visa on arrival country. So 20,000 for most people. Only asked if they want a reason to deny you entry.Ken ********
@Brandon ***********
is that 20k thai baht, or equivalent in a foreign currency ? Is this for literally, everyone, even a short holiday. I personally have never had 20k on me on entering Thailand . Is it a last resort to stop someone for the 20k ?. From what I gather, the world will be cashless in the future, then , I assume it will change. I have a family relative arriving soon, I'm sure she would rather not carry that amount of cash, but, if it's a must, I'll tell her. Thanks for any infoBrandon ************
@Ken *******
20,000 baht or equivalent in another major currency IN CASH ONLY. Required of every tourist entering Thailand. Rarely asked for unless they want to deny you entry or have some suspicion of you.Ken ********
2 week holiday
Ken ********
@Brandon ***********
thanks Brandon. My sister is coming for a 2 week holiday. She's already on red alert ( lol) travelling on her own. I'm pretty sure carrying the equivalent to £500 UK will add an extra,burden for her. My sister will enter with a return flight ticket, an address to where she will stay in Isaan, with us. She's never been before, ever. I assume she'll get a straight through, but, will she.Ivan ************
@K**
they typically only ask it of people they want to deny for spending too much time on tourist entries. If your sister has never been here before she is not the profile they are looking for and it's very unlikely they would ask. Having said that, it is the legal requirement.Reply to
Ivan ************
Reply
Brenda *********
@Brandon ***********
thanks!Reply to
Brenda *********
Reply
Randy *******
Wonder how many Americans this is happening to lately… nothing to do with the new import taxes- thank mr trump💨
Frank **********
@Randy ******
let's blame the sinking of the Titanic on Trump too.Robert ***********
@Randy ******
Nothing to do with that. Has everything to do with trying to LIVE in Thailand on visa exempt. Now with 60 day exempt, those that have one 60 with one extention seem to be the new party of selection for warning and even denial. If you have been here for 90 days already in a 12 month period I believe you are now on the radar screen. Seems to be different since 60 day exempt went into effect. But still depends on the officer. I know someone who just re-entered on another 60 day. Third one in last 12 months.Christophe **********
@Randy ******
clueless about every country running tariffs on the USA ?Trayn *****
@Christophe *********
If you want me to explain the difference, I will. But only if you want to listen.Reply to
Trayn *****
Reply
Iain *********
DTV needs to be applied for and obtained before arrival.
Albert ********
@Iain ********
I know. I asked the visa agent I’ll be getting my retirement visa through when I’m in country , he said I don’t need an onward ticket. He said just explain to them you’ll be applying for non retirement visa in Thailand through him. I do not have any previous entries into Thailand so it doesn’t look suspicious he said 🤷🏽♂️I’d rather get an onward ticket just in case.Andy ************
@Albert *******
Visa agents are unlicensed and unaccountable. Never take anything they say as gospelReply to
Andy ************
Reply
Sally *******
For the price of a bus ticket to a neighbouring country... or a onwardticket.com flight ticket.. really it's not worth the risk
Cruise ******
@Sally ******
what's the procedure for onwardticket. After applying and paying, do you have to print it out? Or just screenshot it is fine?Brandon ************
@Cruise *****
Print everything for Thailand. Always.Sally *******
@Cruise *****
I don't knowReply to
Sally *******
Reply
Garry ******
Wont allow to purchase ticket? I literally bought a ticket on the immigration queue when they told me to buy one with my phone coz I didn't have a ticket out.
Adri****
@Garry *****
the friend might not be friendly so they want them to leave instead of allowing them to purchase the ticket.Peter ********
@Garry *****
If he travels as much as stated he will have hundreds of thousands of miles in his airline account. In 3 minutes he can get a mileage ticket to anywhere. I don’t believe half these stories.Lynnette *******
@Garry *****
maybe he told them he was entering and wanting a DTV. Whatever he said, it looks like he wanted to enter with NO visa. . Which is why they've told him to go away and get a visa.Cruise ******
@Lynnette ******
may ask why can't he enter normally as a tourist with 30 days? Why need visa?Graham ******
@Cruise *****
probably because he has multiple Visa Exempt entries over the last year or so showing in his historyReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Jim ********
Looks like he's already been living in Thailand on free entry stamps. You haven't divulged his history so it's difficult for anyone to advise any next steps, but it seems serious. I agree with
@Bra****
. Advise him to return to the US, wait a few months then apply for a DTV from thereBraulio *********
@Jim *******
Will the person's denial of entry, impact a future visa or DTA application?George *******
@Braulio ********
The answer to that is no. I got a Red stamp many years ago when entering at a land border. They let me in for another thirty days, then I went back to my own country and in those days you could get an O non- immigrant 12 month multiple entry visa. Sadly that visa has been discontinued I believe, unless and I'm not certain, you have a Thai born kid or wife. Don't know if you can still get that visa on those conditions, but I got one no problem then went back to Thailand on this visa.Rosslyn ********
@George ******
the multi entry tourist visa exists, and with extensions you get about 9 monthsGraham ******
@George ******
No Non-O multi-entries nowReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Jan **********
that happens nowadays
Archit *********
My friend was denied entry yesterday as he had not enough funds to show but had millions in thailand hahah never happened in 10 years of travelling maybe things are changing there
Cruise ******
@Archit ********
denied why? How long has he stayed for in the recent year? And when was his most recent exit from Thailand before he came back?Farang *********
@Archit ********
the problem being, and it can been seen on this Facebook page, there is an endless stream of people that abuse the exempt visa scheme. That abuse by a few eventually affects everyone. You have not stated how many days or entries.
Lynnette *******
@Archit ********
the basic rule says must have money to show. If you look on these forums there are dozens of people trying to come in and obviously don't have much money, always looking for cheap everything. Immigration are probably tightening up the rules.Cruise ******
@Lynnette ******
must show funds even if come on holiday? Or whatBraulio *********
@Lynnette ******
Yes, many folks want cheap everything, they don't understand they are welcomed to spend money in Thailand . If they are broke, it's time for the traveler to return home.Bent *************
@Lynnette ******
Now in 2025 it’s out of fashion to demand people to bring cash if they have credit card that allows you to withdraw 500.000 baht!Nongnuch ********
@Bent ************
that's BS, it still is show 20,000 THB in cash when asked. That credit card you show could be a fake or not covered at all !!Jim ********
@Bent ************
they asked me last year and bank balance was good enoughCruise ******
@Jim *******
why did they ask you to show? You came on a 1 way ticket? as tourist or with another visa? Hence they ask?Reply to
Cruise ******
Reply
Brandon ************
If they're already at the airport, it's too late for an agent. That has to be arranged before they travel. Once it gets to the point where they're already denied, it's now going to be very expensive as immigration gets to decide where you're flying back to and that's where you'll have to immediately buy a ticket to.
There's been dozens, if not hundreds of posts on this topic over the last few months and that you can't stay in Thailand long term without a long term visa.
Immigration doesn't care if your friend wants a DTV. He doesn't have one now and cannot get one from inside of Thailand, so him saying that will not change anything. He can apply for a DTV once he gets back to the US or wherever they send him, but he should have planned ahead and taken care of it before it got to this point.
There's been dozens, if not hundreds of posts on this topic over the last few months and that you can't stay in Thailand long term without a long term visa.
Immigration doesn't care if your friend wants a DTV. He doesn't have one now and cannot get one from inside of Thailand, so him saying that will not change anything. He can apply for a DTV once he gets back to the US or wherever they send him, but he should have planned ahead and taken care of it before it got to this point.
Apple ***************
@Brandon ***********
Even if you have a long term visa, some immigration officers will stop you entering the Kingdom. That happened to my boyfriend after a month vacation in Sweden last year even he have ED Visa that will expire after 1 yr and they want him to fly back to Sweden. We were so worried so we called the school and they talked with the officer over the phone and IDK why one officer was messaging my man to send him 7k baht on his account so then he can enter the Kingdom. This happened at Suvarnabhumi Airport.He got traumatized by that experience.
Brandon ************
@Apple **************
that's because ED visas are the most abused visa. If it expired after a year it's obvious abuse because only university EDs can be a year long so an agent would have gotten it. You're lucky they let him in at allApple ***************
@Brandon ***********
Yep, now they have this DTV visa. We planning to apply so he can stay more in Th. Hoping for positive results!Reply to
Apple ***************
Reply
Cruise ******
@Brandon ***********
what's the best course of action at this point? Rather than the US, go to a neighboring like Vietnam and get DTV from the embassy there would be more manageable than all the way back to the US?Brandon ************
@Cruise *****
You don't get to decide where you are going. They decide where you are going. They can give you the choice if they want, but they can also make you fly back to your passport country.Jared **********
@Brandon ***********
afaik you don’t have to buy the ticket and it’s on the airline, maybe if they give you the option of going to a different country than your departure you would have to?happened to me going to Vietnam last year when they were trying to hustle me for a new visa, i told them to put me on a plane back to bangkok
Brandon ************
@Jared *********
They will put you in the holding room until YOU buy a ticket to wherever they say, or until you can scrape up the money. Many people have reported about it.Jared **********
@Brandon ***********
that’s pretty wild, i wonder about the technical legalities of it out of curiosity, even if thailand is doing their own thingPutting the burden on the airline seemed a bit crazy as well with how fickle and undefined the entry process can be, gonna be a spicy year
Reply to
Jared **********
Reply
Greg ******
@Cruise *****
assuming they allow you to go to a neighboring country. You can be required to return to your country of origin. If you’re in that position YOU do not get to decide.Reply to
Greg ******
Reply
Jae **********
Serious???
Reply to
Jae **********
Reply
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